Groundbreaking innovations that turn an entire industry upside down and write completely new rules ideally also have the potential to bring about positive social change. A new FFG initiative called “Expedition Future” has set itself the goal of doing just that. The new program supports innovative projects that bring about major changes in markets, technologies or societies.
Overall, the initiative consists of four funding tracks (START, INNOVATION, SCIENCE & CHALLENGES), which according to the FFG should all contribute to a sustainable future worth living in. Expedition Future relies on the broadest possible concept of sustainability, as FFG expert Annamaria Andres explains: “For us, there is not only green sustainability in the FFG, but also sustainability that includes social aspects and diversity.” Accordingly, projects in the social sector will also be funded with the new program.
In addition, according to Andres, “dreams of groundbreaking innovations” should become reality via Expedition Future. The FFG supports this in a wide variety of phases – from preparation to scaling.
What counts as a breakthrough innovation?
In order for innovations to be promoted, they must lasting positive effect in social, ecological or economic terms. The FFG defines this “groundbreaking innovation” as follows:
The innovation aims at the disruption of markets by, for example, creating new markets and/or driving out market participants. The innovation aims at the solving complex problems for society, the environment or the economy, which are supra-regional and serious and affect many people. The innovation aims at one great and radical technological leap and is associated with very high technological challenges.
What funding opportunities are there?
As FFG expert Andres explains to brutkasten, startups can also benefit from the new initiative. The two programs from the four funding tracks are here Expedition Future – START and Expedition future – INNOVATION particularly suitable, which we will now explain in detail here.
Expedition Future – START | Focus on prep work
In the Announcement Expedition Future START become projects in one early phase addressed, in which innovations are prepared and the basis for major changes in markets, technologies or societies is laid. The following project types are supported as preparatory measures for RTI projects:
Use cases for an existing technology Cause and stakeholder analysis of major problems Development and testing of a technical concept Strategy and implementation planning of major change processes
Target group, amount of funding and submission deadlines:
The call for entries Expedition Zukunft START is primarily aimed at start-ups or companies in the process of being founded, partnerships or corporations with or without the intention of making a profit, natural persons or sole proprietorships and associations. However, institutions for research and knowledge dissemination can also benefit.
According to the FFG, the funding is open to all topics and technologies and can maximum 100,000 euros amount per project. Different maximum proportions of the project volume can be funded for different organizations: small companies 70 percent, medium-sized companies 60 percent, research institutions 80 percent. The submission period runs from 06/05/2023 to 10/11/2023 (12:00 p.m.), with the jury meeting taking place in December 2023. At least two more calls will be made next year.
+++ Realize your dream. Submit now for Expedition Future – START +++
Expedition Future – INNOVATION | Focus on innovation processes
Another funding track that is suitable for startups is the program Expedition future – INNOVATION. Here, too, projects are supported in an early project phase – starting with problem analysis or brainstorming through to concrete solutions.
On the one hand, according to FFG innovation processes encouraged to develop new business models to bring about market changes. On the other hand, projects are supported that complex societal problems aim and with their innovation supraregional changes can cause. According to the FFG, an innovation process in which these ideas and solutions are intensively Cooperation with all relevant actors to be developed.
Target group, funding amount and submission deadlines:
The upper limit of funding within the framework of this call for proposals is for a submitted project maximum 150,000 euros. The maximum funding rate within the framework of this call is 50 percent of the total eligible costs (max. EUR 300,000).
The target group also includes start-ups or companies in the process of being founded, partnerships or corporations, with or without profit intention, natural persons or individual entrepreneurs, associations and non-profit organizations. However, large companies can also submit a project if it is a social innovation. The submission deadlines are continuously possible.
+++ Realize your dream. Submit now for Expedition Future – INNOVATION +++
Editor’s tip
However, money is not everything: In addition to monetary resources, the FFG also provides additional services. For example, after the funding approval, a Guide assigned, who oversees the individual projects on the FFG side. This includes personal contacts to other institutions and partner organizations, an overview of the funding landscape and recommendations for other possible funding.
The FFG is also hiring Quota on consultation days on various subject areas such as law and taxes. Also will Network meeting for exchange organized with other funding recipients and founders who also want to realize their dreams.
Link tip Now make dreams come true with Expedition Future
2023-08-21 05:51:37
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